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An increasing number of schools are incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily routines, often through brief meditation sessions. These practices seem to help some students manage stress, though the research on their overall effectiveness is still inconclusive.
According to Vox, the primary benefit might simply be offering students a brief respite from their busy schedules. However, for certain students—especially those with schizophrenia or recent traumatic experiences—mindfulness may have the opposite effect and be more harmful than helpful.
If your child’s school is considering introducing mindfulness into their curriculum, here are some questions you might want to consider, as suggested by Vox:
Could mindfulness replace another, potentially more beneficial activity or resource? For example, physical activity is crucial for both physical and mental health. If mindfulness programs are taking time away from physical education, math lessons, or reading, how is this affecting the balance of the school day?
What is the program's cost, and what is the source of the budget?
Do the instructors employ a mindfulness practice backed by solid research, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)?
Is the practice being used to manage behavior or alleviate anxiety?
For additional questions and insights on the science of classroom-based meditation, visit read the full report at Vox.
